Unity, RGHS in talks on merger of systems

Unity Health System and Rochester General Health System have inked an agreement to begin talks that could see the two systems merged into a single, integrated care delivery network, Unity officials said Monday.

“This is a forward-thinking, strategic move for Unity and Rochester General and for the Greater Rochester community. Our board of directors, over the last 18 months, has evaluated the future of the health care environment,” Unity CEO Warren Hern said.

“Health care is undergoing profound change, with sweeping and unprecedented reforms that are challenging providers to serve a wider range of patients with higher quality, lower cost and greater value. Partnerships like the one we are announcing today will enable our two systems to meet this demand,” RGHS CEO Mark Clement said.

The RGHS/Unity announcement comes after Unity also explored a merger with the University of Rochester Medical Center, and URMC officials along with RGHS officials were reportedly anxiously awaiting the outcome of a Unity board vote today.

“URMC and its affiliates … look forward to understanding the implications this proposed alliance will have for our community and how it will raise Rochester’s standard of health care,” URMC spokeswoman Teri D’Agostino said in an email.

A merger of Unity and RGHS is in an exploratory phase and ultimately would have to be vetted and approved by state and federal agencies, officials said.